MDS band plan 2000 - History | ACMA

MDS band plan 2000 - History

History

The now revoked Multipoint
Distribution System Frequency Band Plan 2000 (PDF71
kb) came into effect on 9 February 2000 by notification in the
Commonwealth Gazette. It replaced the "Frequency Band Plan for the 2076 to 2111
and 2300 to 2400 MHz Bands" of June 1988 (and subsequent
amendments).

The main purposes of the Band Plan were to:

set a termination date of 25 July 2002 after which MDS services
will be excluded from the 2076 to 2111 MHz band

facilitate the planned introduction of IMT-2000, which will involve
part of the 2076 to 2111 MHz band

cater for fixed link services displaced by the planned introduction
of IMT-2000 in other bands

support the operation of various space services and

provide flexibility of operation under spectrum licences resulting
from the conversion of MDS B band licences.

The now revoked Frequency
Band Plan for the 2076 to 2111 MHz and 2300 to 2400 MHz Bands (PDF 343
kb) was made in June 1988 to support Government policy objectives regarding
the use of multipoint distribution systems (MDS) to deliver text, graphics,
still pictures, sound, non-entertainment video and entertainment video,
including pay television. Amendments were made in 1990 and in 1992 to
refine the timing of the introduction of some of these categories. Since
1994, multipoint distribution systems have been used primarily for the
delivery of pay television.

In March 1999, the former ACA released the discussion paper Future
uses of the Multipoint Distribution System (MDS) Bands (PDF68 kb) for community comment it released in May 1999 a summary of
comments received, and in June 1999 announced its conclusions. A
Gazette notice on 10 December 1999 and subsequent media release
advised that a draft new plan was available for public comment. The draft new
plan (PDF25 kb) was accompanied by a rationale
paper (PDF33 kb) explaining the reasons for the proposed
changes. After considering the comments received, the new frequency band
plan was made on 3 February 2000.